Four young people were injured in a shooting outside the Lounge Sports Bar in West End in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Three females and one male, aged between 16 and 20, sustained injuries. Three were reported as minor, while one person remains in critical but stable condition.
According to a Facebook statement from the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the incident happened at about 12.28am on 27 October as the young people were socialising at the bar.
“Some of them gathered outside the premises when a shooting incident occurred, resulting in injuries,” police said.
Two of those who were injured were treated at hospital and discharged. One remains under observation, and the fourth is warded and receiving treatment.
The police force is urging anyone with information to come forward.
“Your cooperation is vital to help with the investigation and to ensure the safety of our community,” the press release said.
Thoughts and prayers
In a joint statement on 28 October, Governor Julia Crounch and Acting Premier Quincia Gumbs-Marie said they are “deeply troubled” by the shooting.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims, their families, friends, and the wider community affected by this incident,” they wrote.
“While we are grateful that this was not much worse, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the reckless disregard for life that endangers our community.
“The peace and absence of crime and violence that we strive to enjoy are possible if we come together and stand united in eradicating any semblance of violence.”
They urged anyone with information “no matter how small” to reach out to the police force.
“It is only by standing together that we can prevent further violence and protect our loved ones from harm. Our actions can make Anguilla a safer place for everyone,” the statement said.
Anyone with information on any criminal activity can call 911, (264) 497-2333 or 497-5333, or leave an anonymous message, video or photo at www.gov.ai/911
Information from the website is stored in a secure location in California in the United States of America and access to it is tightly controlled.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was updated at 3pm on 28 October to include the statement from Governor Julia Crounch and Acting Premier Quincia Gumbs-Marie.
